Pirates Sweep Patriots, 3-0; Clinch Second Seed For PBC Tournament

SAVANNAH, Ga. - The Armstrong Atlantic State volleyball squad notched a 3-0 Peach Belt Conference victory over visiting Francis Marion on Friday night, securing the No. 2 seed for the upcoming PBC Championships.

The Pirates (23-8, 10-3 PBC) could be facing the Patriots (11-18, 3-10 PBC) in the first round as Francis Marion is currently seventh in the standings after tonight's loss, the eighth straight for the Patriots. 

With the win, AASU also sweeps the season series from Francis Marion for the first time since 2004 - the teams had split their meetings each of the last four seasons.

Senior Marina Marinova led all players with 10 kills for the Pirates, the only player to reach double digit kills on the night. Michele Remlinger turned in another efficient night by hitting .800 with eight kills and no errors in 10 attacks, the third best single-match hitting percentage in school history and just a week removed from setting the school single-match record against Lander.

Kristin Standhardinger notched 29 assists, seven kills and seven digs on the night, while Casey Howett led all players with 13 digs for the Pirates.

Amanda Mitchell led Francis Marion with seven kills, while Jess O'Leary tallied 19 assists and Liz Drewry notched 10 digs.

The Pirates will wrap up the regular season slate with a 3:00 p.m. match on Saturday against UNC Pembroke. AASU will honor its four seniors - Marinova, Remlinger, Amy Birkemeier and Nicole Yates - in a pre-match ceremony as they play their final home matches.